MANUAL FOR NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 113 



There should be frequent rests, especially with recruits. 

 During these rests advantage may be taken of the opportunity 

 to question the troopers respecting the ins'truction they have 

 received. 



In all exercises the instructor varies the gait so as not to 

 weary the troopers or the horses. The instruction is conducted 

 without hurry. The daily work begins and ends at the walk. 



175. The standard required of troopers. — To be a good mili- 

 tary horseman each trooper should — 



(a) Have a strong seat. 



(b) Be able to apply correctly the aids by which a horse is 

 controlled. 



(c) Be capable of covering long distances on horseback with 

 the least possible fatigue to his horse and to himself. 



(d) Be able to use his horse to the utmost advantage in a 

 mounted fight. 



(e) Be capable of riding across country. 



(/) Under' proper directions, be able to train an unbroken 

 horse in garri-son and in the field, understand how to detect 

 and treat the minor ailments to which the horse is liable, and 

 be a good groom. 



All officers, in addition to being good military horsemen and 

 instructors in riding, must be able to train remounts and to 

 direct their training. 



177. General provisions. — For the preparatory exercises the 

 horses are saddled and equipped with the snaffle bit only, 

 saddles stripped. Spurs are not worn. 



These exercises are conducted at first in a riding hall or 

 on an inclosed course out of doors. 



References to the riding Jiall are to be understood as ordi- 

 narily applying equally to any out-of-doors inclosure or to 

 the space included in any course marked off for instruction 

 in equitation (pars. 2G9, 296). 



At first, the troopers, dismounted, lead their horses to the 

 riding hall and return them to the stable in the same manner. 

 When they have received sufficient instruction they go and 

 return mounted. 



As soon as the instruction has advanced suflEiciently to per- 

 mit the use of such commands and methods, the instructor will 



